Elmer was in the United States Armed Forces and worked as a supply Clerk. He got the family he wanted, Thelma
Elmer was preceded in death by his father James Burkes; mother Elna Laura Lee; father in law Willie G. Smiley.
Elmer is survived by his wife Debra E. Burkes of Chattanooga, TN; step-children Channell -Tasha Smiley, Sheanita-Rock, Theodore- Keisha, Porscha Harris; brother Jeffery Miller; cousin James-Judy Dark; Mary Lee Conley; mother in Law Lorene Smiley; twenty- three grandchildren; twenty-six; host of family and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 3: 00 pm in the chapel of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Franklin-Strickland Chapel with Pastor Jesse Parker officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com for the Burkes family.